When someone posts what you feel to be a horribly bad review...

There was a review posted recently which people came down on pretty hard, someone even accused the reviewer of "point farming." What concerned me was that nobody really took into consideration that this was someone's first attempt at a review.

Perhaps, when you come across such a review, instead of attacking, you might stop and take the time to remember that your first review was probably not in perfect form and if you really want to do something about it, recommend the Mentor program.

Imagine what it must feel like, to be a writer or review of average to poor skill who takes the time to try out doing a review, only to immediately have half a dozen vicious comments posted at the bottom of it...

Would you ever want to do a review again? Would you ever want to try to join a community that greeted you this way?

I agree. One shouldn't jump to conclusions until they know what's really going on, plus who's to say if the person is well versed in English? Maybe it's their second language? How can one learn if they're shot down all the time?

There was a review posted recently which people came down on pretty hard, someone even accused the reviewer of "point farming." What concerned me was that nobody really took into consideration that this was someone's first attempt at a
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There was a review posted recently which people came down on pretty hard, someone even accused the reviewer of "point farming." What concerned me was that nobody really took into consideration that this was someone's first attempt at a review.

Perhaps, when you come across such a review, instead of attacking, you might stop and take the time to remember that your first review was probably not in perfect form and if you really want to do something about it, recommend the Mentor program.

Imagine what it must feel like, to be a writer or review of average to poor skill who takes the time to try out doing a review, only to immediately have half a dozen vicious comments posted at the bottom of it...

Would you ever want to do a review again? Would you ever want to try to join a community that greeted you this way?

That's horrible. I have not seen the review myself, but I hope that the community can do something to assure this new reviewer that his or her recent experience is out of the norm and that this is an accepting community.

That's horrible. I have not seen the review myself, but I hope that the community can do something to assure this new reviewer that his or her recent experience is out of the norm and that this is an accepting community.

I can't recall if I know the review that you are talking about, but I know that I rate the reviews all the same way. Whether it is someone's 1st or 101st review, it shouldn't matter. I will provide the same feedback. I don't really notice if it is someone's first review or not, although if it is a poor review I will sometimes take note that they aren't at the advance level yet and form my own conclusions off that, that they may not be experienced in writing reviews.

Usually in my comment I will suggest the mentor program. However I am not here to baby someone either. If their review is awful I don't think I should have to treat them with baby gloves so they don't get offended. There are many first reviews on here that are awesome. All it takes is a bit of time to read some reviews to see what is expected. I don't think it is out of bounds to say that someone is submitting a review for points if that is how it seems.

As to if I would want to do another review if I was 'welcomed' that way... Well my feelings don't get hurt easily, so it probably wouldn't stop me. However I do know that other people aren't like that. Hopefully if that person was doing the review for the right reasons they would use it towards creating a better review next time. Realistically that might not be the case and they might leave, but I don't think that should be on my mind when rating or critiquing a review.

I agree. One shouldn't jump to conclusions until they know what's really going on, plus who's to say if the person is well versed in English? Maybe it's their second language? How can one learn if they're shot down all the time?

Since this post is not subtle, I'll explain why I voted/commented the way I did. I didn't see how repeating word for word over and over looking like just a copy and paste was just a bad attempt at a review. It looked like something else to me. That's just my opinion.

I agree Goth. Assumptions without further looking for information isn't the best way to go about things. That's why I looked at the person's profile/activity/lengt h on site before making up my made and writing a comment.

And Laurel you are also right, if someone makes an honest attempt at a first review and gets shot down, they might be discouraged OR they could be driven to try a lot harder. That's what happened to me. I didn't write a great first review either but it drove me to write better and better.

As reviewers we shouldn't be afraid to vote honestly, and I voted honestly. It's not an attack.

I have inboxed the reviewer to apologize if I was wrong and recommended what they could do for the future.

I have yet to encounter such a review, but when I encounter seriously flawed fanfiction, I send constructive criticism privately and keep public comments much more neutral. For example, find the best feature of the piece, compliment that as realistically as possible, welcome the newbie to the comm, and invite them to seek a beta reader (here, I guess that would be a mentor.)

There are people out there who will completely fall apart over having a few typos pointed out, or having a single word choice questioned. There are also people out there who will fail to comprehend any criticism no matter how it's phrased. My suggestion is to aim your personal policies regarding concrit at the folks who fall in between, and just tolerate the more extreme ends of the spectrum as best you can.

I hope you guys can find the review, read it for yourselves, and make up your own minds about it.

Okay, found it. Yeah, I'm all for tact, as I just said, but this review falls in the extreme end of the spectrum -- I'm not seeing how anyone could think it was useful to copy-paste the same words over and over in a review. Taken with the useless forum post related to it, it's pretty obvious point farming.

Okay, found it. Yeah, I'm all for tact, as I just said, but this review falls in the extreme end of the spectrum -- I'm not seeing how anyone could think it was useful to copy-paste the same words over and over in a review. Taken with the
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Okay, found it. Yeah, I'm all for tact, as I just said, but this review falls in the extreme end of the spectrum -- I'm not seeing how anyone could think it was useful to copy-paste the same words over and over in a review. Taken with the useless forum post related to it, it's pretty obvious point farming.

THANK YOU. I encourage reviewers when I feel it is an honest review. I offer places for help or more info, but this was different.

Since this post is not subtle, I'll explain why I voted/commented the way I did. I didn't see how repeating word for word over and over looking like just a copy and paste was just a bad attempt at a review. It looked like something else to
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Since this post is not subtle, I'll explain why I voted/commented the way I did. I didn't see how repeating word for word over and over looking like just a copy and paste was just a bad attempt at a review. It looked like something else to me. That's just my opinion.

I agree Goth. Assumptions without further looking for information isn't the best way to go about things. That's why I looked at the person's profile/activity/lengt h on site before making up my made and writing a comment.

And Laurel you are also right, if someone makes an honest attempt at a first review and gets shot down, they might be discouraged OR they could be driven to try a lot harder. That's what happened to me. I didn't write a great first review either but it drove me to write better and better.

As reviewers we shouldn't be afraid to vote honestly, and I voted honestly. It's not an attack.

I have inboxed the reviewer to apologize if I was wrong and recommended what they could do for the future.

The post wasn't meant to be subtle, nor was it mean to be specifically addressed only to you, Lauren. It was posted here and addressed to the entire community, because I think it was a good opportunity to remind everyone that every community member deserves to be treated with respect, especially when they first join this community. We should be welcoming and encouraging, otherwise why would they want to stay?

As a community, as a rule, we should FIRST give someone the benefit of the doubt, regardless of how their behavior appears to indicate some infraction. Once someone has a history (i.e. more than one infraction), an established pattern of behavior that indicates they care little for community rules, standards, or the feelings of others, then they should be held accountable for their behavior and done so by the Eden review program staff–i.e. report it and let them handle it.

The post wasn't meant to be subtle, nor was it mean to be specifically addressed only to you, Lauren. It was posted here and addressed to the entire community, because I think it was a good opportunity to remind everyone that every community
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The post wasn't meant to be subtle, nor was it mean to be specifically addressed only to you, Lauren. It was posted here and addressed to the entire community, because I think it was a good opportunity to remind everyone that every community member deserves to be treated with respect, especially when they first join this community. We should be welcoming and encouraging, otherwise why would they want to stay?

As a community, as a rule, we should FIRST give someone the benefit of the doubt, regardless of how their behavior appears to indicate some infraction. Once someone has a history (i.e. more than one infraction), an established pattern of behavior that indicates they care little for community rules, standards, or the feelings of others, then they should be held accountable for their behavior and done so by the Eden review program staff–i.e. report it and let them handle it.

Oh, I know it wasn't. I wasn't the only one/am not the only one upset about it. No offense was taken.

It'd be a good opportunity, but I still believe it wasn't honest. Did you read it? You are also right every member should be treated with respect. When the system is abused, the person is disrespecting all of us though.

I looked at their activity. They have other spam type activity and have read reviews to see what at least a decent review looks like.

I reported it. I then saw that JR agreed, commented etc. and since a staff member saw, it was out of sight and out of mind. Til now, and I apologized on the chance that I could be wrong.

I read the review. And, yeah. That was not a worthwhile review. I'm sorry. I have to agree with Lauren.

Fortunately, Laurel's point can still be applied and valid in this instance. We can still encourage reviewers who didn't put forth the appropriate honest effort, to want to write a legit review and tell them about all the wonderfully programs etc. and the rewards for doing so that they will want to be a positive contribution.

Fortunately, Laurel's point can still be applied and valid in this instance. We can still encourage reviewers who didn't put forth the appropriate honest effort, to want to write a legit review and tell them about all the wonderfully programs
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Fortunately, Laurel's point can still be applied and valid in this instance. We can still encourage reviewers who didn't put forth the appropriate honest effort, to want to write a legit review and tell them about all the wonderfully programs etc. and the rewards for doing so that they will want to be a positive contribution.

I look at things like this on a case-by-case basis. When there seems to be any sincere intention in a thread or review, I am hopeful that they're trying to do well, and not point-farming. Unfortunately since there has been such an influx of people doing so on this site, it's become pretty easy to spot, both in reviews and in forum discussions. I read the review I believe Laurel is referring to and also saw the two threads started by the new reviewer and in my opinion, it's obvious that this was not a well-meaning attempt. This irritates me to my very core for the simple fact that the company is trying to do something great for it's hard working community members, and people are simply trying to take advantage of it and abuse the system any way they can.

I have seen reviews by new reviewers that weren't great - face it, who out of us started at the level we're at now? I think MOST new members deserve the benefit of the doubt that they're trying. But I think there are differences between reviews written with good intentions that just need work and those written with only selfish intentions, and the bare minimum of info and words included.

No matter how useless we find someone's contribution, no matter if we believe they may be "cheating", no matter how it angers and insults us, it is never okay to be insulting in return or to chastise another reviewer.

No matter how useless we find someone's contribution, no matter if we believe they may be "cheating", no matter how it angers and insults us, it is never okay to be insulting in return or to chastise another reviewer.

Let's
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No matter how useless we find someone's contribution, no matter if we believe they may be "cheating", no matter how it angers and insults us, it is never okay to be insulting in return or to chastise another reviewer.

I look at things like this on a case-by-case basis. When there seems to be any sincere intention in a thread or review, I am hopeful that they're trying to do well, and not point-farming. Unfortunately since there has been such an influx of
...

I look at things like this on a case-by-case basis. When there seems to be any sincere intention in a thread or review, I am hopeful that they're trying to do well, and not point-farming. Unfortunately since there has been such an influx of people doing so on this site, it's become pretty easy to spot, both in reviews and in forum discussions. I read the review I believe Laurel is referring to and also saw the two threads started by the new reviewer and in my opinion, it's obvious that this was not a well-meaning attempt. This irritates me to my very core for the simple fact that the company is trying to do something great for it's hard working community members, and people are simply trying to take advantage of it and abuse the system any way they can.

I have seen reviews by new reviewers that weren't great - face it, who out of us started at the level we're at now? I think MOST new members deserve the benefit of the doubt that they're trying. But I think there are differences between reviews written with good intentions that just need work and those written with only selfish intentions, and the bare minimum of info and words included.

I also saw those things and agree.

"This irritates me to my very core for the simple fact that the company is trying to do something great for it's hard working community members, and people are simply trying to take advantage of it and abuse the system any way they can."

No matter how useless we find someone's contribution, no matter if we believe they may be "cheating", no matter how it angers and insults us, it is never okay to be insulting in return or to chastise another reviewer.

Let's
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No matter how useless we find someone's contribution, no matter if we believe they may be "cheating", no matter how it angers and insults us, it is never okay to be insulting in return or to chastise another reviewer.

Let's please leave that to those who are paid to do it, hmm?

Rating a review is one thing. Chastisement is completely different.

You are right. That's why I didn't say what I wanted to say. If they felt I or anyone else did chastise them, hopefully they accept my apology.

I also agree! We as members of the community should not try to take on the role of enforcers, that is best left up to the EF professional staff.
I also have a hunch that English is not her first language. I laud her for her trying but I wish this review would have been rejected, politely by EF. I didn't see this reviewer as necessarily a point collector but perhaps trying to cover all bases. It does take some time and skill to become familiar with the various EF programs. Add a language difficulty?....who knows?

Since this post is not subtle, I'll explain why I voted/commented the way I did. I didn't see how repeating word for word over and over looking like just a copy and paste was just a bad attempt at a review. It looked like something else to
...

Since this post is not subtle, I'll explain why I voted/commented the way I did. I didn't see how repeating word for word over and over looking like just a copy and paste was just a bad attempt at a review. It looked like something else to me. That's just my opinion.

I agree Goth. Assumptions without further looking for information isn't the best way to go about things. That's why I looked at the person's profile/activity/lengt h on site before making up my made and writing a comment.

And Laurel you are also right, if someone makes an honest attempt at a first review and gets shot down, they might be discouraged OR they could be driven to try a lot harder. That's what happened to me. I didn't write a great first review either but it drove me to write better and better.

As reviewers we shouldn't be afraid to vote honestly, and I voted honestly. It's not an attack.

I have inboxed the reviewer to apologize if I was wrong and recommended what they could do for the future.

It somewhat reminds me of people posting fanfiction and such on those online places like fanfiction.net, fictionpress, etc. Not everyone is an excellent writer, but people post to (hopefully) get constructive criticism and learn and grow as a writer. I did the same in my early years and noticed with each new piece I got better and better. Reviewing is the same. But I do know the sting of salt in the wound when people just outright hate on your work without anything constructive to add to help you grow and evolve your writing, which i find very wrong indeed.

But to say, i never read this review, so my views on it I can't say for certain. So please don't hurt me.

It somewhat reminds me of people posting fanfiction and such on those online places like fanfiction.net, fictionpress, etc. Not everyone is an excellent writer, but people post to (hopefully) get constructive criticism and learn and grow as a writer.
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It somewhat reminds me of people posting fanfiction and such on those online places like fanfiction.net, fictionpress, etc. Not everyone is an excellent writer, but people post to (hopefully) get constructive criticism and learn and grow as a writer. I did the same in my early years and noticed with each new piece I got better and better. Reviewing is the same. But I do know the sting of salt in the wound when people just outright hate on your work without anything constructive to add to help you grow and evolve your writing, which i find very wrong indeed.

But to say, i never read this review, so my views on it I can't say for certain. So please don't hurt me.

Pshh...I understand! I totally respect your opinion and I agree. I don't know what fan fiction is though .

Pshh...I understand! I totally respect your opinion and I agree. I don't know what fan fiction is though .

Fan fiction is basically fictional stories written by fans about famous personas. Teenagers writing about their favorite bands at the moment is a really popular one I've seen around, but it's definitely not limited to just that.

Fan fiction is basically fictional stories written by fans about famous personas. Teenagers writing about their favorite bands at the moment is a really popular one I've seen around, but it's definitely not limited to just that.

What??!!? I don't see the point of that. So like making up a fictional story about my favorite actor and blogging it?

What??!!? I don't see the point of that. So like making up a fictional story about my favorite actor and blogging it?

More or less. I tended to do it for video games, usually a "what if this happened?" kinda thing, after the main game story. like a sequel, but written by a fan. Others write fan smut, putting non-canon characters together and all. Stuff like that.

More or less. I tended to do it for video games, usually a "what if this happened?" kinda thing, after the main game story. like a sequel, but written by a fan. Others write fan smut, putting non-canon characters together and all. Stuff like that.

What??!!? I don't see the point of that. So like making up a fictional story about my favorite actor and blogging it?

It could be that. It could be your favorite band member, it could be the President. It's really no different than other fictional stories, other than they happen to be written by people who aren't generally professional writers, and feature characters that we already know from real life.

My following statement has nothing to do with Lauren at all so I just want to make that clear, this has something to do with the community as a whole not any member o members individually.

I have felt recently,there is a witch hunt of sorts over Eden points. Makes me wonder If I should stop getting them because I may be accused of point farming. How do we determine if someone is Point farming? I mean the point of the system was to encourage activity.

I understand follow, and unfollow. I understand the spam posts (even though someone may be LEGITIMATELY bringing up something). But If I get a lot of points, say I follow a lot (or my limit) and send articles to my friends, does this make me a point farmer?

Does maxing out on your points make you a point farmer? or a great addition to the community. There is reason there is a cap, they felt that the cap was enough for a day, so they must feel that is an acceptable amount.

Its tricky, and I sometimes think... should I stop? I tend to send alot of Sexis articles to friends. I tend to "like" things, and show my friends what I like. Am I a point farmer?